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Road Plans and Reports
PW Report to Council, Feb 2021 – Implemented Cost-Savings
Road Maintenance
Minimum maintenance standards
Throughout the year, the Township of Johnson receives phone calls and inquiries with respect to the condition of local roads. Most inquiries relate to winter maintenance but as spring rolls around, potholes become a source of inquiry.
The Township of Johnson is required to follow Ontario Regulation 239/02 Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways as the minimum maintenance standard for the roads within the Township[1].
These minimum maintenance standards are set pursuant to regulation under the Municipal Act, 2001, and establish the minimum standards expected of municipalities in Ontario for certain aspects of the maintenance of the roads, bridges and sidewalks under their jurisdiction. All minimum maintenance standards including the level of service to be provided are based on the classification of a particular highway. Speed limits and traffic volumes determine their classification.
Within the Municipal Act and in particular the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, every highway under the jurisdiction of a municipality in Ontario is to be classified according to a specified criteria based on the applicable speed limit and the average annual daily traffic. Within the Township of Johnson, traffic volumes do not meet the set criteria for Highway Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Therefore, there exists Highway Class 5 roads (50 to 499 vehicles per day), and Highway Class 6 roads (0 to 49 vehicles per day).
The minimum standards for winter maintenance include but are not limited to:
Class of Highway / Patrolling Frequency
5 / Once every 30 days
6 / None
Class of Highway / Snow Accumulation (Removal)
5 / 10 cm over 24 hours
6 / None
Class of Highway / Ice Formation Prevention
5 / 24 hours preceding event
6 / None
Class of Highway / Treating Icy Roadways
5 / With 16 hours of event
6 / None
The Township regularly exceeds these minimum standards and while not required, does treat the Class 6 Highways in a similar fashion. These minimum maintenance standards including the amendments will be of assistance to ensure public safety as well as ensuring the Township has done its due diligence.
[1] This information is general in nature and is not meant to be an all-inclusive policy on road maintenance in the Township of Johnson.
Road grading
We grade the roads as often as conditions permit. Ideal conditions are when the roads are damp because it’s easier and causes less wear and tear on the grader. We also avoid grading the roads when there is rain in the forecast as it makes the road susceptible. We cannot let the water get into freshly graded gravel, as it would make road conditions worse. Long spells of dry weather are when we get the most calls and in these circumstances, our hands are tied. When very wet roads and spring snow falls are mixed with the cold weather, it makes it very difficult to get out. We understand the roads need grading, but we wait for the right weather. We ask for your patience and understanding.
Gravel
We begin putting down gravel beginning approximately June 1st, based on when the supplier of gravel is available.